Leaving Auckland...
#31
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Personally I like Dunedin, but then again they could just move to the Republic of Ireland and wouldn't be far from the UK to visit family. Co Wexford has a similar climate to Dunedin. Overall you have a lot of similarities. People speak English, nice scenery, sheep, pubs, rugby, low population density and at least you can get on the plane and go shopping in London + there's Lidl & Aldi.
Plenty of good suggestions here. I think a lot depends on what you can afford in terms of housing. A town of say 20000 people might afford you a house for around the 300k mark. That might include say Te Awamutu in the Waikato, though thats not by the sea. But at least it will get you on the property ladder. Whangarei in the so called winterless north is another place to look.
Dunedin is really starting to look good. Husband is very keen on the internet speeds. He still does some work in the UK and that would make it much easier for him.
Our itinerary is starting to come together nicely. It looks like we'll be spending time around Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. We'll also visit Queenstown but that's more for a visit than an option to move to.
We haven't added Hawkes Bay to that because it isn't that far away, we'll do a few weekends down there instead.
#32
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Location: Dunedin
Posts: 22
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Well we don't have any family in the UK so thats not an issue, and we are here already so we may as well try and have a good go at making it work before we make any decision about returning.
We aren't really worried about the property ladder, we haven't sold up in the UK so we still own property over there. But I do think buying here will make us feel more settled. We haven't rented in almost 20 years and its a huge adjustment.
Dunedin is really starting to look good. Husband is very keen on the internet speeds. He still does some work in the UK and that would make it much easier for him.
Our itinerary is starting to come together nicely. It looks like we'll be spending time around Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. We'll also visit Queenstown but that's more for a visit than an option to move to.
We haven't added Hawkes Bay to that because it isn't that far away, we'll do a few weekends down there instead.
We aren't really worried about the property ladder, we haven't sold up in the UK so we still own property over there. But I do think buying here will make us feel more settled. We haven't rented in almost 20 years and its a huge adjustment.
Dunedin is really starting to look good. Husband is very keen on the internet speeds. He still does some work in the UK and that would make it much easier for him.
Our itinerary is starting to come together nicely. It looks like we'll be spending time around Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. We'll also visit Queenstown but that's more for a visit than an option to move to.
We haven't added Hawkes Bay to that because it isn't that far away, we'll do a few weekends down there instead.
We love Dunedin and invested in upvc double glazing and insulation and we don't feel the cold at all. Our 3 bed house with a sea view was 300k. I would say the temperature down here is similar to Leeds where we are from but with more sunshine and less rain.
Good luck with your search.
Last edited by MrsFychan; Oct 22nd 2015 at 9:48 pm. Reason: formatting
#33
Re: Leaving Auckland...
I don't have a huge amount to contribute to this thread location wise but just wanted to pop in and wish you all the best MegMac. Sounds like you are giving your move a lot of thought and trying to change your lifestyle for the better, good on ya
Be sure to give us an update of where you decide to move and how you are settling in!
Be sure to give us an update of where you decide to move and how you are settling in!
#34
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Guys?!! Can we stop this sillyness please, if Aucklanders discover the rest of New Zealander they'll flood it and take all our "niceness". We should be discussing building a security barrier and telling them they are not welcome here.
#35
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 0
Re: Leaving Auckland...
MegMac, sorry that Auckland hasn't worked out for you. This last winter has been one of the coldest we've had since we arrived in Jan '07. I wish you well with your plans. Life is far too short to be unhappy. So good luck and I hope you can find the right place for you.
#36
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 613
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Can understand your frustration with Auckland. Been here quite a while and if we weren't living in Auckland we wouldn't be in NZ.
However, when we first came here we heard so much about the South Island that we moved down there. Initially to Dunedin and then to Invercargill. But decided after some months that the South Island wasn't for us. We've also lived up North - way up north and of course it's quite different from all the other places. And must sa it had the best weather of all the other places and enjoyed it the most. But, Auckland is definitely our last place before we finally depart.
However, when we first came here we heard so much about the South Island that we moved down there. Initially to Dunedin and then to Invercargill. But decided after some months that the South Island wasn't for us. We've also lived up North - way up north and of course it's quite different from all the other places. And must sa it had the best weather of all the other places and enjoyed it the most. But, Auckland is definitely our last place before we finally depart.
#37
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: homeless
Posts: 1,756
Re: Leaving Auckland...
I think I would eventually go MAD if I have to live in Auckland forever...
get out when you can.
get out when you can.
#38
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 613
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Nah, really meant depart Auckland, not in a box. No, there's much life and adventure left in us yet.
#39
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Just wanted to update this thread.
We are currently on our road trip. We are only 2 days into it but I'm already feeling much better having left Auckland.
We're in New Plymouth at the moment and I quite like it here. Just the right size for me but I'm not making any decisions yet. We are off to Wellington tomorrow, I'm looking forward to that as well.
I think I'm just happy having left Auckland, I guess I didn't realise how much I hated it there. But anyway I'll keep this thread updated on the places we visit.
We are currently on our road trip. We are only 2 days into it but I'm already feeling much better having left Auckland.
We're in New Plymouth at the moment and I quite like it here. Just the right size for me but I'm not making any decisions yet. We are off to Wellington tomorrow, I'm looking forward to that as well.
I think I'm just happy having left Auckland, I guess I didn't realise how much I hated it there. But anyway I'll keep this thread updated on the places we visit.
#40
Re: Leaving Auckland...
For me, happiness is Auckland in my rear view mirror.
Good luck with the rest of your travels. We usually go to New Plymouth for a picnic on the beach on Boxing Day but we went to a local beach this year and saved ourselves the five hour round trip.
All the best for 2016.
Good luck with the rest of your travels. We usually go to New Plymouth for a picnic on the beach on Boxing Day but we went to a local beach this year and saved ourselves the five hour round trip.
All the best for 2016.
#41
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 450
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Just wanted to update this thread.
We are currently on our road trip. We are only 2 days into it but I'm already feeling much better having left Auckland.
We're in New Plymouth at the moment and I quite like it here. Just the right size for me but I'm not making any decisions yet. We are off to Wellington tomorrow, I'm looking forward to that as well.
We are currently on our road trip. We are only 2 days into it but I'm already feeling much better having left Auckland.
We're in New Plymouth at the moment and I quite like it here. Just the right size for me but I'm not making any decisions yet. We are off to Wellington tomorrow, I'm looking forward to that as well.
#42
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Far North eg Kerikeri or nearby coast would be my choice having lived in both. Kerikeri has enough expats to not be too insular, great climate and coast and only 3 hrs by car from Auckland. Neither are 'cheap' but a lot better than Auckland.
Dunedin, nice city but the winters will kill you and it is all a bit grey :-)
Peter
#43
Re: Leaving Auckland...
If you can find Wanganui on the map, you are welcome to swing by our place for a cup of tea at the mid point of what can be a five hour drive from New Plymouth to Wellington.
#44
Re: Leaving Auckland...
Snap Shot we loved Wanganui. It had such a great feel to it. Sadly we only spent a couple of hours there, but I've told Mr Mac we need to do a couple more days there to explore further.
Wellington was interesting. I know some people love it but I don't think it's for us. I clearly don't like bigger cities. That ones a definate no.
We arrived on the South Island this morning and I'm currently enjoying one of Nelson's fabulous beaches. We're here for a few more days then off to Christchurch.
#45
Re: Leaving Auckland...
But we are planning a weekend in Tauronga in Feb, so will get to see it then.